Chapter 4

The discovery that a book named 'Hogwarts: A History' existed changed the game for Fred and George. They now had everything they needed to find Hogwarts… Well, almost everything.

"Wait a minute! You don't have the book anymore?"

"No, I don't! As much as I love my books I couldn't go barging into Malfoy Manor and ask for it back," Hermione snapped.

Both twins paled at the mention of the Malfoy family. "The Malfoys have your book?" Hermione nodded solemnly.

"Damn it! What are we gonna do now, Fred?"

Fred paused to think for a moment before answering, "I suppose we need someone that knows what was in this book then?"

Hermione shook her head frantically, "You suppose! Without that book you will never find the 'treasure' that you're searching for, and I certainly can't tell you the contents of the book because it would take time that I'm afraid I don't have."

"You're right it would take too long, that's why you're coming with us," Fred stated.

Ron who had been quiet finally spoke, "You really think that a girl that's trying to hide from pirate hunters is going to run away with pirates?"

Fred turned sharply towards him, "Ron, do you understand what this treasure would mean for us? We need Hermione."

"You both realise I'm standing right here?"

Hermione was about to continue when bangs sounded and shouts followed. Everyone in the Leaky Cauldron began panicking and one of them screamed, "DEATH EATERS!"

Most of the people in the pub began to flee, apart from those that were too drunk to comprehend the situation and the few that were unconscious.

"Ron, George! Go check out how many there is and Harry go find the basement entrance!" Fred commanded.

Ron and George immediately ran to the windows and looked out, trying to see how many Death Eaters there was while Harry began looking for the door.

"There's a lot of them out there, Fred! All in black cloaks and masks!" George shouted over the sound of gunshots.

"Bloody hell! They're shooting everyone on sight!" Ron screeched.

Hermione also began looking for an exit before the Death Eaters checked inside the pub. Harry then found a trap door that led to the basement and shouted, "everyone, it's over here! Come on!"

Harry, George and Ron proceeded to run to the exit but Fred stopped in front of Hermione and held it his hand, "you coming?"

Hermione looked around frantically, the Death Eaters were getting closer every second.

She took his hand and that's when the adventure truly began.

"Where does this passage lead to?" Ron asked.

"To the harbour, hopefully we can get to our ship without being spotted," George replied.

"How did you know about this tunnel?" Harry questioned.

"Oh, we found it a while ago," Fred responded casually.

He was still holding Hermione's hand, which at this point was unnecessary, yet Hermione didn't want to let go.

"What could have provoked that attack? They haven't been that together for years," Hermione interjected.

"You're right, they haven't been like that since You Know Who was in charge. Maybe they have a new leader?" Fred answered.

"I hate to say it, but that's the most likely option." Fred was smart, something Hermione did not expect. Hermione shivered unwillingly at the thought of those people coming into power again. Fred squeezed her hand in reassurance and she was glad that he hadn't let it go.

The smell of the sea became more pungent as they continued walking and soon they found themselves under the pier. The sun had set and their only source of light was from the bright moon.

"They are watching the docks, right?" Ron asked.

"Probably, but why don't we see or hear anything?" George replied.

"Because they are all the way over there…"

Hermione pointed at the cloaked figures and everyone followed her gaze. They were unloading items from a small ship and one was barking orders.

Ron pleaded, "Harry, please tell me that's not our ship…"

"I would, but then I'd be lying," Harry responded.

Hermione wondered what exactly they were searching for, was it her, Harry or Ron? Maybe it was all three of them, but how would they know they were together? Or did they have no idea who was on that boat and instead were searching for something in particular? Hermione's head was whirring from all the possible scenarios, but she was quickly brought back to reality.

"I say we find out exactly what they're doing… George?"

"Ready when you are, Fred."

Hermione could still see the twin's smirks in the faint moonlight.